The Honourable Mark Brown, Prime Minister today announced that Te Aponga Uira’s support under Phase 2 of the Economic Response Plan, will continue until the end of 2020.
The Phase 2 electricity discounts from Te Aponga Uira (TAU) effective from the middle of June meter reading, was planned to cease at the September meter reading, though it has now been formalised by the Board of Directors that Phase 2 will be extended until the end of the year, and will now cease at the December meter reading. The Prime Minister said “the Phase 1 discounts, the initial Phase 2 discounts and now the extended Phase 2 discounts offered by Te Aponga Uira are truly substantial and remarkable. The extension of Te Aponga’s Phase 2 discount is recognition that the borders remain closed and reflects the intention of Te Aponga’s Board and management to juggle its resources in order to continue much needed support to households and businesses.
Approximately $9m of savings is now being granted to Rarotonga households and businesses by Te Aponga across Phases 1 and 2, an outstanding contribution, to keep the economy running and to provide much needed support to households. The extended Phase 2 support involves every household being credited for their electricity costs up to $100 each month and every business who currently receives or is eligible to receive government support, will continue to receive a 60% discount, for the second 3 month period of Phase 2.”
Mr Mata Nooroa, Chair of Te Aponga Uira, said “this is Te Aponga’s way of giving back and continuing its support to help the nation during these continuing challenging times.” Mr Michael Henry, Chair of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, said “Te Aponga’s continued support is an example of a concerted effort from the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and its State Owned Enterprises to support the Nation, to collaborate extensively and find innovative solutions, required during these unprecedented times.”
